The OGBL and LCGB have called for immediate government action to safeguard the country's social model, warning of large-scale protests if their concerns are not addressed.

Luxembourg's two largest trade unions, the Independent Luxembourg Trade Union Confederation (OGBL) and the Luxembourg Confederation of Christian Trade Unions (LCGB), have issued a stark warning: the country's social model is under sustained attack from the government. During a joint press conference on Tuesday, the unions called for the immediate convening of the announced social round table ("Sozialdësch") to address growing concerns.

Ultimatum

The OGBL and LCGB announced that they are giving the government five months to find solutions to their grievances. If no progress is made, they plan to stage a united demonstration on 28 June. In the meantime, smaller-scale union actions will begin next Wednesday. The unions sharply criticised what they described as "social apartheid" and ongoing assaults on Luxembourg's social model, citing issues such as flexible shop opening hours, Sunday working hours, pension system reforms, and disputes over collective bargaining agreements.

The unions also pushed back against claims that their influence is diminished due to low participation rates in social elections, which stand at around 34%. They compared this to the Federation of Craftspeople, which represents fewer than 30% of businesses. When questioned by our colleagues from RTL.lu, Luc Meyer, President of the Federation of Craftspeople, acknowledged this figure but clarified that the majority of businesses in Luxembourg are small entities with 0-1 employees, often structured as "Sàrl-s." Meyer noted that most craft businesses with multiple employees are members of the Federation (over 3,000). In terms of employment, Meyer argued, the Federation does represent the majority.

Declining trust between involved parties

Union leaders expressed concern over the erosion of trust between the government and trade unions. During the press conference, they highlighted correspondence with Minister of Labour Georges Mischo and Prime Minister Luc Frieden, as well as their dissatisfaction with the draft National Plan to Promote Collective Bargaining. According to the unions, the plan significantly diminishes their role and fails to address their priorities.

The OGBL and LCGB have expressed their willingness to engage in new negotiations with the government, but they insist that the announced social round table must be convened without delay. Crucially, they emphasised that the round table must ensure not only that the unions are heard but also that their positions are genuinely taken into account. "The government cannot decide on its own," the unions stressed.

In addition, the unions are calling for a legislative freeze on contentious issues, such as collective agreements, shop opening hours, or Sunday working hours, until the round table takes place.